Chinese Fourteen- and Eighteen-Karat Yellow Gold, Enamel, and Blue Sapphire Bixi on a Hardwood Stand, the bixi (dragon/turtle) and its young hand-fabricated in yellow gold, the eyes set with blue sapphire cabochons, the hardwood shell of the young bixi inlaid with gold wire and bordered with blue and green enamel set in gold, the sculpture with polychrome enamel highlights, h. 3-1/2", w. 5", d. 3-1/4", total weight, 265.0 grams, presented on a gold wire-inlaid hardwood stand. Provenance: The Estate of Frances Shackelford, Montrose and Little Rock, Arkansas; purchased in Hong Kong in the 1980s.

The large Bixi has tested as fourteen karat gold, but the young bixi has tested as eighteen karat gold. Scattered oxidation, particularly around head and the underside of paws. The shell of the young Bixi lacking the hinge pin with scattered dents to the interior bowl. Wooden shell has been re-glued in place. Very slight losses to red enamel on clouds next to paws. Stand has some discoloration and scattered repairs. The given weight (265.0 grams) is a combination of both Bixis, including the hardwood shell of the young Bixi, but EXCLUDING the inlaid hardwood stand.